I am not sure of the .net framework it is using as I see in program and features I see that I have 3.5 SP1 and V 4.0 Extended. I also see that sql server compact edition was installed with the Visual Studio Web Developer. Is that all causing the error?

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We are waiting for your feedback to try to help you more efficiently.

Have a nice day

PS : have you looked at the application or system log files to see whether there is a fuller message about your problem when you start SSMS ? Maybe, you should have ( also ) a look at the error log file or your Denali SQL Server instance ( if it like the
former SQL Server versions, these error log files are readable with NotePad.

I have had a look at your link.But you have forgotten to tell us which choice you have done ( Express Core or Express with Tools ).

It is impossible to use SSMSE ( or even SSMS ) 2008 or 2008 R2 to open a Denali SQL Server instance ( the message has changed with the new versions from 2005 upto 2008 R2 )

Please, could you tell us which type of installation you have chosen ( attended/unattended) ?

Mark Post as helpful if it provides any help.Otherwise,leave it as it is.

You will find all the requisites for a correct install of SQL Server Denali

I have noticed that a really important number of posts about the install of SQL Server Express because they have forgotten to check these requisites ( it was true for 2005,2008,2008 R2 and i think that my remark will be valid for Denali ).Maybe because
these requisites are not recalled in the pages used to get the download ( Sorry for the SQL Server Express Team , but it is your fault. And most of the users of SQL Express are not like the DBA using a Standard or Datacenter SQL Server who know that it is
more careful to prepare meticulously the download and install ( lengthy operations ) rather than to have to uninstall everything, and befin a new time the install ( i don't think that a company manager would appreciate to see his company blocked 2 days because
of a bad preparation ).

I know, that's bitter but it's my own experience since 2005 ( i recognize that i am not so patient and kind as Mike Wachal or the latter MSFT from the SQL Server Express Team ).

Have a nice day

Mark Post as helpful if it provides any help.Otherwise,leave it as it is.

Thank for your feedback and trying to help me. First of all pls. accept my apologies if the information provided was not clear.

I was trying to install SQL server Denali with Tools. I may not have gone thru the link for prerequisites but researched another page which said I must have Powershell Version 2 and .Net Framework 4.0. and I verified both that I did have them already. Then
I downloaded the executable files on my local HD. First the setup files contained following .exe files. For some reason the installation stopped automatically after running for a while (may be after extracting when I used sqlfullx86_enu_install.exe)

After that I re downloaded the setup files this time only one exe SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe. It did install and finish successfully but I was unable to launch sql management studio. The error message I get does not give technical details on which components
is missing but as you said looked into the log.

As Jayram said I may require I may require VS2011 in order to install sql denali which the prerequisite never stated that ?

Appreciate your feedback after looking into the log if you can determine the cause of the issue otherwise I will uninstall everything and give a fresh try.

I have verified, it looks like I already have SP2 on my computer. I am trying to reinstall the server and I find that the shared components like ssms does not really get installed. Is this normal installation or I am missing something in the setup ?